2014 superheroes honored by North Penn United Way

A caped Kareem Afzal and his wife Nihad Kaiseruddin (center) pose together for a picture during the North Penn United Way "Superheroes United for Kids" reception at PineCrest Country Club in Montgomery Township on Friday, April 25, 2014. Photo by Mark C Psoras

“She helped so many people in their lives, and she continues to help young people with disabilities, all throughout their lives, as adults also. She’s really been my superhero,” Damsker said.

Roche returned the compliment, saying she was “delighted and humbled” to be chosen by Damsker, who was a 2013 NPUW superhero.

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Friday night’s fundraiser brought together roughly 300 volunteers, superheroes, and representatives of more than two dozen sponsor organizations to celebrate their accomplishments over the past year, and pave the way for 2014 by recognizing those who continue to make a difference - like Beth Styer, executive director of Doylestown-based Child, Home & Community, who was chosen by 2013 superhero Dr. Ronald Souder.

“I’m a paediatrician, so I see a lot of young teenagers, and she’s been so helpful to give services to the young teenagers who are mothers and need help. She’s a shoo-in for superhero,” said Souder. Styer said she was “very excited and very grateful” for the recognition.

“It means that we are doing as a church what a church should be famous for: a church should be famous for serving people; it’s not about me, it’s about a group of people who are actually living out what it means to have faith,” he said.

“It’s not something you can do with your head, it’s something that lives in love and grace and truth and action, so we’re just trying to figure out what it means to really, truly believe that it’s better to give than to receive,” Mitchell said.

Last year’s NPUW superhero fundraiser brought in more than $120,000 that will go directly to kids in and around the North Penn and Indian Valley areas through initiatives like the NPUW Stuff the Bus campaign, which provides backpacks full of school supplies to kids in need.

“We notice that the younger children are becoming more excited about reading, so we feel that there’s more that they’re learning and gleaning, and they’re learning how to share and speak in front of other people. We can see them growing,” Budd said.

Bill Bartle, activities director for the North Penn School District, was recognized by NPSD Athletics Secretary and Key Club advisor Linda Law for his efforts as “a coach, an activities advisor, the athletic director, he’s a wonderful man.” Bartle and his fellow superheroes were all welcomed to Friday night’s gala by cheers and a round of applause from NPUW volunteers and several costumed superheroes, who just so happen to be Law’s high school students - “she makes sure her students get involved with the community, which is fantastic,” he said.

A total dollar amount raised through sponsorships, donations, and proceeds from auction items Monday night will likely be announced next week, according to NPUW Executive Director Sarah Whetstone. For more on the North Penn United Way and its various activities, call (215) 855-3002, visit www.NPUW.org or follow @NPUW on Twitter.